Let's call this one, HUMP-DAY HAPPY-HOUR!

Now is the time to carve out a little space in your week to look after yourself - as it is definitely the time of year we can become stressed, busy and overwhelmed.

Enjoy being guided through a 30 minute meditation to help relax the body and mind. Casual, relaxed, suitable for all levels.

Commit to just 30 minutes a week, for the next 4 weeks, by booking your spot NOW! As a gift, you'll receive a 50ml bottle of my 'HAPPY' essential oils blend - which should help you stay calm in the crazy of this time of year!

MEDITATION - it's like magic!

It is hard to deny the power of meditation, with its many benefits for the mind, body and spirit. I recently introduced a friend to some simple meditation techniques, and she came back saying 'it's magic'! Feeling stressed by work and its demands (like so many of us at some point in our lives), we were simply chatting at a party when I asked if she would consider trying meditation. I gave her a simple exercise to get started, basically focusing on the inhale and exhale breath for one minute per day. That's it! Start small, grow your practice, that was the plan. And like a star student, she did just that, and hasn't looked back. Hence the 'magic' comment! Now, I can't promise its magical properties - meditation won't help you win the lottery or pull a rabbit out of a hat - but I can certainly attest to the feeling of being more at ease, calmer and relaxed.

People often ask me which style of meditation is 'best' and the simplest answer is, different styles will suit different people. Over the years I have tried a range of different meditation styles, which has given me the opportunity to see how meditation can be used for so many purposes, at different points in our lives, and in varying degrees. Deep muscle relaxation meditation has taught me to be aware of tension in my body and mindfully release it, while Zen meditation is a great way to still the mind and be present in the now. Affirmations or Mantra meditation are a great way to develop a positive mindset or improve self-image which build our capacity to look more kindly on ourselves and make real change. And these are only a few, there are so many more!

No matter which style resonates with you, all mediation styles can assist us if we are looking to improve our mental health, emotional resilience, physical health, or looking to get in touch with a more spiritual side of our being. There is no being ‘good’ or ‘bad’ at meditation, no ‘can’ or ‘can’t’. As long as you are making the effort to stop and breathe, to still the mind and focus for a minute, an hour, or even just a single breath, then you are meditating and making a positive step towards your abundant health and vitality. And, hey, that seems pretty magical to me :)

Oh, and for those of you who want the actual physiological (as opposed to magical!) benefits of meditation, here are just a few :)

1. Decreases stress hormones produced in the body.

2. Increases positive mindset and decreases anxiety.

3. Improves function of the nervous system, which means there is less likelihood of suffering from illness and disease.